We have previously reported on the rapid progress of exoskeletons, including prototypes by Cyberdyne, Tokyo University and Honda (see previous posts in this thread).

Now electronics giant Panasonic has also completed a prototype of an exoskeleton. At 230kg the "Power Loader" is a heavyweight, but its eighteen electric motors allow to lift payloads of more than 100kg using intuitive force feedback control. Panasonic hopes to commercialize the suit within the next 5 years.